Latest market data

Stock search

With the number of mobile
device-related robberies on the
rise, it's important to know what you can do if your precious
Android -powered
smartphone or tablet has been stolen, or if your overworked mind
just can't remember where you left it. The good news is that
Google has a solution.

This summer, the tech giant released a tool called the Android Device Manager that it updated
again this fall. The online tool enables Android device owners
to track and lock their misplaced phones and tablets. If the
device has for sure been stolen, or is hopelessly lost, the
Device Manager also lets users wipe all of their personal data
from the phone, essentially forcing it to reset to its
original factory settings.

That's a pretty important feature, especially for business owners
and other professionals who use their mobile devices for company
use. Having sensitive company information land in the wrong hands
can be a serious security
risk.

If you haven't already synced your smartphone or
tablet up
with the Android Device Manager, follow these 10 easy steps. The
Android Device Manager is compatible with devices running Android
2.2 and up.

1. Go to the Google Settings app on your phone or tablet and
click on "Android Device Manager" at the bottom.
2. Select the box for "Allow remote lock and factory
reset."
3. The "Remotely locate this device" button should already be
clicked. If not, click on it.
4. Also check the box to "Allow remote lock and factory reset." A
screen will pop up asking for permission to wipe your device.
Grant it permission.
5. Sign into your Google account online and go to the Android
Device Manager.
6. On your device, go to go back into Settings, then Security,
then Phone Administrators and make sure you have "Android Device
Manager" checked.
7. In the Android Device Manager online, select the
device you want to sync from the list of devices associated
with your account.
8. From there you should see a map showing the location of your
device. You should also see options to "ring," "lock" and "erase"
the device.
9. If you choose to lock your device, the Device Manager will ask
you to set a new password, essentially locking out the previous
password you had saved.
10. If you choose erase, a warning window pops up. If you agree,
the device will power down and erase the data you have stored on
it. Only use this option if your smartphone or tablet has been
stolen or lost for good.